Road surface: asphalt
Walking time: 6 hrs
Level of difficulty: easy

Starting from the center of Assisi (from any given place; Piazza del Comune, St. Rufino, St. Chiara, Sacro Convento, St. Damiano) head towards the Church of St. Pietro (we recommend a visit of this church, also taking into account the final destination of the pilgrimage) and then leave the city by Porta San Pietro (St. Peter Gate) (7). Crossed the square (meeting point for tour buses and underground car park), take the stairs that go down to the so-called “bricked road”, the reconstruction of the paved road that went from Assisi to the Porziuncola and follow it to the Basilica of St. Maria degli Angeli (9). On the further side of the large square in front of the church, cross the main road at the roundabout and take Via San Bernardino da Siena, straight up to Tordandrea (10). Cross the town (taking Via della Porziuncula and Via del Santo Patrono) at the first intersection you can see a chapel (St. Rocco and St. Antonio), turn right on Via St. Simeone, and continue in open countryside. At the first crossroads (11), turn left on Via Ose, continue on Via Torte and merge with SP404 (via Assisi) just two hundred meters before the bridge over the river Topino, continue until you reach Passaggio di Bettona (12).

At the roundabout in front of the church of the Madonna del Ponte you go right to Signoria di Torgiano along SP403, continue towards Torgiano to the junction Pontenuovo-Deruta (13), turn left onto the SP400 to Pontenuovo (14) and continue for Deruta (15).

Note: you can avoid approximately 3.5 km of SP403 between Passaggio and Signoria, turning right (at the second roundabout from the church of the Madonna del Ponte, approximately 500 mt) on via Ponte di Ferro and then taking Via Salceto. This road connects with SP403 in the vicinity of Signoria.

From Deruta to Assisi (km 23)
From Deruta (15) take the old Via Tiberina for Pontenuovo (14) and continue straight for Torgiano. Once at the crossroads of Torgiano (13), do not enter the town but turn right towards Bettona. Once in Signoria do not go to Bettona, but continue along the flat road towards Passaggio di Bettona (12). When you have reached the unmistakable silhouette of the modern church of the Madonna del Ponte (with an image of Christ), turn left and cross the bridge over the river Topino. Shortly after you leave the busy street and turn into via Torte and later in via Ose. At the crossroads with via St. Simeone (11) take to the right, towards

Tordandrea (10) and reach it near a sacred shrine dedicated to St. Rocco and St. Antonio. Once you have crossed the town, go along Via del Santo Patrono, via the Porziuncula and Via San Bernardino da Siena and arrive at St. Maria degli Angeli (9). To get to Assisi take the “bricked road” to Porta St. Pietro (7).

L'articolo Assisi – Deruta sembra essere il primo su Il Cammino di San Francesco.

Road surface: asphalt
Walking time: 6 ½ hrs
Level of difficulty: easy but the last km is quite a steep climb

Easy route, just follow the old SS Tiberina, currently divided into various sections of provincial roads, which almost always run alongside the E45 highway.

The first village along the road is Casalina (17) with the church of San Girolamo (St. Jerome) on the main square and the adjoining ancient pilgrim hospital. After Ripabianca, at the junction (18) continue for Collepepe (19) and follow the SP383 to Pantalla. After Collepepe ignore the road signs for Todi on the right and go straight until you reach Acquasanta (20). On the right, near the Tiber, the small church of the Madonna of Acquasanta with frescos by XVI century Senese painters. Taking the SP83 you reach Pantalla (21) follow along the same road keeping the E45 on the left. At the overpass (22) cross the E45 and then keep the same highway on the right. At Pian di Porto go strait along the road that goes parallel to the E45, in the proximity of the Hotel Euro Palace (23), turn right and take the underpass on the road that goes towards Orvieto, at the foot of the hill topped by the town of Todi. At the first crossing, turn left for Ponte Rio (24), cross the village and just after a bridge over a small stream (25), turn right and tackle the very steep climb that takes you into Todi (just over a km). The road passes near the ancient cemetery and enters the town from Porta Perugina (26).

Note: we recommend that you should follow the route, even if on provincial roads, because of the limited traffic on the road and because there is no other alternative at present. We’re still trying to find a foot path along the river: once it should be defined it will be duly signed for pilgrims.

From Todi to Deruta (km 24)
km 22 to Madonna dei Bagni
Leaving by Porta Perugina (26), take the road on a steep slope that goes down to Ponte Rio (25), cross the village until you get to the E45 underpass (24). Through the underpass in front of Hotel Europalace (23) head to the left, i.e. towards Pian di Porto / Deruta along the old national road Tiberina which almost always runs along the E45, at first on the left side, then after crossing the overpass (22) keeping the highway on the right, but always remaining on the left bank of the Tiber. Cross the villages of Pantalla (21), Acquasanta (20) Collepepe (19) Ripabianca (18) Casalina (17) and arrive in Deruta (15). Stop at the Church of Acquasanta (20) and the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Bagni (16).

L'articolo Deruta – Todi sembra essere il primo su Il Cammino di San Francesco.

Road surface: mixed, mostly dirt roads
Walikng time: 5 ½ hrs
Level of difficulty: medium

Starting from the central Piazza del Popolo (27) and leaving the old town through Porta Amerina (also called Porta Fratta) (28), take Via St. Raffaele that leads rapidly downhill, after a short stop at the Romanesque church of S. Stefano (St. Stephen), follow Via delle Piagge to Ponte Naia (29). Pass by the Chapel of the Beata Vergine del Perpetuo Soccorso, then follow the sign to Fiore (along the sports grounds) to the small church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, built by Antonio Di Domenico PGR in 1734 on a previous shrine of the 1500 (30). A little further on take the dirt road to the left, along the banks of the Arnata stream, and head towards Torricella. Immediately after the only house you’ll find on the left along the climbing road, you meet a path that leads to a new walnut plantation, after which the road again enters the forest and at the first intersection, turn right in the direction of Ospedaletto di Vasciano (31) or ancient hospital of S. Maria Maddalena. The road continues south along the right bank of the Arnata stream until you reach the beautiful Bridge of Pesciano (32), always keeping an eye on the hill in front for Torre Olivola (a strategic defense tower along the Via Amerina, characteristic of this part of the territory).

After crossing the bridge continue along the left bank of the Arnata to Ciuccio’s Mill (now called the Mill of the English) (33). About 100 meters after the Mill, the path again enters the thick woods, and after only 200

meters to the left, it fords the creek of Civitella, a tributary of the Arnata.

Crossing the creek, continue on the route of the ancient Via Amerina between thick woods, until you meet the wire enclosure of the Azienda Faunistica Anguillara and then up to the remains of a bridge, ponte della Falce (34), near the Olivieri/Pesciano Mill. After crossing the bridge, turn right and follow the climbing path that skirts the enclosure of the Azienda Faunistica Anguillara until you reach the top of the hill, in front of the Mestaiola of Sismano (35) (a small shrine dedicated to St. Eurosia). Then you should head downhill towards Forte Cesare (39) and Castel dell’Aquila (40), that can be seen towards the south. Slightly to the left is also the small town of Avigliano Umbro with the unmistakable square tower of the aqueduct.

Alternative route: (2 km longer)

1) at Ciuccio’s Mill, leave the road just before the building and head left towards the Arnata, that you must cross on a small pedestrian bridge, then follow the dirt road for about 3 km to the Olivieri/Pesciano Mill (this enables to bypass the fording of the creek of Civitella, that especially in winter has lots of water).

2) at the Olivieri Mill you can follow for approx. 500 meters the left bank of the river, until you reach the remains of the bridge of the Falce (without crossing it) and then take the steep climb to the left that goes up to the Mestaiola of Sismano or, otherwise, you can head for the Mestaiola Sismano directly from the Olivieri Mill by the slightly longer but more comfortable alternative dirt road .

From the Mestaiola of Sismano (35) proceed along the road heading towards Castel dell’Aquila (literarily the Eagle’s Castle), through Osteriaccia (36), Poggio delle Mandorle (37) and Santomanno (38), always keeping on the right the unmistakable silhouette of Forte Cesare (39) (a big building, once a Fort). When you pass by the industrial area, take the provincial road that leads to the village of Castel dell’Aquila (40), dominated by the Church of St. Giacomo (St. James).

Those who do not wish to go directly to Amelia (a total of 31 km) can stop at Castel dell’Aquila and sleep at the parish church.

From Castel dell’Aquila to Todi (km 19)

From the junction at the exit of the village, near the pharmacy, head north on the old road Via di Valle Molina. After about 400 mt take to the left on the paved road next to the sports facilities until you reach some werehouses. Take the gravel road with the largest werehouse on the left, towards a small hamlet called Santomanno (38). At the first rural settlement go right, leaving behind the castle of Forte Cesare (39) that dominates the area, continue always along the same road uphill until you meet another dirt road (Poggio della Mandorla —37) and head towards the right (Osteriaccia —36 and Mestaiola —35). The Mestaiola of Sismano, in the local dialect “small majesty” or sacred shrine, is dedicated to St. Eurosia, placed on the hill. From the Mestaiola of Sismano, continue in the same direction to the North taking the path downhill that is hidden by the trees until you reach the valley and meet the river Arnata, always skirting the fence of the Azienda Faunistica Anguillara; the road becomes increasingly steep and rough, at the bottom are the ruins of an ancient bridge called Ponte della Falce (Bridge of the Scythe of the ancient Amerina) (34). After crossing the bridge, continue always along the fence of the Azienda Agricola Anguillara, until fording a small creek (the Civitella, a tributary of the Arnata). Continue for about 100 m. in the woods, then on a dirt road and after about 200 m. pass next to a newly restored mill, called Ciuccio or of the English (33). Leaving the Arnata on the right continue on the same road until you get to a beautiful ancient humpbacked bridge (Bridge of Pesciano —32). After crossing the bridge the road is fairly simple, because you take to the left and keep on the same road until ‘Ospedaletto of Vasciano (31), now incorporated into a newly built Country House. Continue on the same road for about 500/600 m. through fields and a small wood and then take the path that goes downhill to the left, through a walnut orchard and on the road that goes to Todi. If you miss the turning you will still reach the same road a bit further on, near an unmistakable sewage treatment plant. In this case turn to the left to the asphalt road, and then right to Todi that you can see on top of a very steep hill. Along this road you meet the shrine of Santa Maria delle Grazie (30), the shrine at Ponte Naia (29) and after the steep climb you will enter Todi from the Porta Amerina (28).

L'articolo Todi – Castel dell’Aquila sembra essere il primo su Il Cammino di San Francesco.

Road surface: mixed, mostly dirt roads
Walikng time: 4 hrs
Level of difficulty: medium

The distance from Castel dell’Aquila to Amelia is about 13 km, the route is quite easy and thoroughly marked with signs of the Cammino della Luce. It runs almost all flat or downhill, except for a slight rise from the bridge of Santa Maria in Canale to the ruins of the Castle of Lagoscello and another climb of about 1.2 km from the bridge of San Leonardo to the Capuchin Convent (formerly ancient hospital of St. James). For those taking the Franciscan Ways of the Amerini Mountains, with a small detour of a few kilometers, you can visit the Franciscan grotto, a shrine above Collicello, and the nearby ruins of an ancient Benedictine monastery (ask for information on the spot).

Coming from Castel dell’Aquila (40) follow the provincial road that goes towards Amelia, after 1.6 km, at a holy image (41), take the dirt track on the right that runs along the stream of the Rio Grande to the bridge of Collicello (42). Briefly transit again on the provincial road to Amelia and at St. Maria in Canale (43) turn left after approx. 200 mt, on a dirt road to the right. Walk to the top of this road to Lagoscello (44) (on the right you can see a small lake at the bottom) and down until you meet again the same provincial road near the village of Sambucetole (45). Without entering the old part of the village, take the road with the indication Cappucini, that leads to a convent of Capucin Friars (46) built on a former pilgrims hospice. From the forecourt, the profile of Amelia can be clearly seen only 5 km away. Continue further on the same local road until you reach a dirt road along the banks of the stream Rio Grande (47), and follow it to a new wooden bridge, after crossing it there is a final brief climb to Amelia (48).

From Amelia to Castel dell’Aquila (km 12,5)

Starting from Porta Romana (48) follow along the walls in the direction of the fountain of Nocicchia and the park of the Rio Grande (47). Then climb up to the Convent of Cappuccini (46) and continue to Sambucetole (45). Just after Sambucetole take the dirt road on the right to the ruins of the Castle of Lagoscello (44). Follow the dirt road until you cross the provincial road at Santa Maria in Canale (43). On the other side of the provincial road you can see the ruins of an old bridge. Take the provincial road to Collicello (42), until your reach a dirt road on the left that runs along the banks of the Rio Grande. A the next crossing with the provincial road you see a holy image (41) and, ahead of you, Castel dell’Aquila (40).

L'articolo Castel dell’Aquila – Amelia sembra essere il primo su Il Cammino di San Francesco.

Road surface: mixed, mostly dirt roads
Walikng time: 5 hrs
Level of difficulty: easy

From Amelia, that is still in Umbria, to Orte, in Lazio, you may follow different paths: the first is the provincial road know as Ortana, joining the two centers in about 15 km. There are also other routes that have in common the first part until you get close to the border between the provinces of Viterbo and Terni (Umbria and Lazio), where you can opt for a valley road along the stream of the Rio Grande, or continue along the ridge. The two roads rejoin about 2 km before arriving at Orte.

We obviously do not recommend the provincial road and suggest to opt for the other two: the ridge road is shorter (about 16 km); the valley path is a bit longer (about 18 km) but

much more interesting from the natural (a sulphurous spring near the Rio Grande) and archaeological point of view, as it follows the ancient Via Amerina. Notably this second route passes near the remains of a Roman funeral monument and the ruins of the ancient port of Seripola, on the river Tiber.

Starting from Porta Romana (48) take the provincial road to Giove (named Via I Maggio in the vicinity of town) for about 3km to the Lourdes grotto in Montenero (49). From there, take the road of S. Silvestro and follow it for about 1 km and 400 mt. The last stretch runs along a large vineyard (50), which then meets the traces of ancient road that you can guess underneath the brambles, on the right. At the end of the vineyard, continue along the ancient route near some tall trees. At the end of the field, near a newly built villa perched on the hill, the road divides (as duly marked by the signs of the Cammino della Luce) (51).

- The ridge route: go left for 100 mt. until you reach the provincial road from Amelia to Orte,(52) take to the right and follow for about 2, 5 km, passing in front of the restaurants Campo Antico and Vecchia Fattoria and another house with a tower, all on the right, until after a curve you see a dirt road on the right in rapid ascent (53); take it and continue along the ridge keeping close a big building called Cimacolle (54). and then along the bottom of the fenced property of Ciucci for about a kilometer to the crossroads with the main road coming from Penna in Teverina (55). Opposite you will see the indication of the ancient port of Seripola (61) (those wishing to visit it, must go down to the Tiber for 500 meters, passing a farm by the name of La Chiocciola and then return by the same way) (55). Continue for Orte, turning left on the provincial road for 700 mt and then taking a dirt road on the right that descends toward the Tiber river and the motorway A1.

- The valley route: From point 51 turn right and descend the dirt road leading to a big farm called Rio Grande/Ayala (56), head to the dirt road through the fields until you meet some old oak trees. Turn left along the path that follows the ancient route of the Via Amerina (57), where ruins of an ancient Roman mausoleum emerges among the vegetation. Ford the stream Rio Grande, then turn immediately to the right and follow the dirt road along the vineyards until you reach a location with springs of volcanic origin (58), characterized by gas and sulfur. Continue along the right bank of the Rio Grande. If you wish you can make a stop in the pilgrim resting point of the Parish of St. Maria delle Nevi in Penna in Teverina, near the ruins of an ancient water mill (59). From here, if you want, you can go to Penna in Teverina, just 3 km away, where you can sleep in the parish hostle located in a beautiful spot, overlooking the Tiber valley, and continue the journey the next day. Otherwise, passing the pilgrim resting point, continue on the dirt road leading to the provincial road, cross it and continue downhill for approximately 300 meters until you reach a bridge over the Rio Grande (60); without going over the bridge, follow the signs, and ford the stream after about 500 meters. Continue on the left bank of the stream to the confluence with the Tiber, just beyond which you can visit the ruins of the ancient river port of Ameria/Seripola (61). The road then climbs up to the farm of La Chiocciola and again up to the provincial road, meeting point with the other route (55). Continue to Orte on the right, after 700 mt, then turn again right on a dirt road that descends toward the Tiber river and the motorway A1.

At this point the two routes meet: Therefore from the Penna Orte road, going down to the Tiber, at the first intersection with a small local road, continue left for 1.1 km until near the Church of San Lorenzo (62), with documented evidence of the passage of St. Francis (the church is no longer opened for worship but the owned is available on request for visits).

Then continue through an underpass and stop at a fountain with abundant water (63); 100 meters from the fountain, turn right on the provincial road, cross the Tiber and the motorway, and just after the bridge, at a curve, take the local road that climbs dramatically up to Orte, entering the old town through Porta San Cesareo (64).

From Orte to Amelia

(km 16 ridge route – km 18 valley route)

Start from Porta San Cesareo (64) go down to the bridge over the Tiber River then take immediately left along Via dell’Acqua Acetosa (63), take the highway underpass to the Church of St. Lorenzo (62), continue to the left for about 700 meters up to a dirt road on the right that leads to the main road to Penna in Teverina. Go right up to the junction for the ancient river port of Seripola (55).

At this point you can take the ridge road on the right, through the vineyards until Cimacolle (54) and continues until you get onto the SP Amelia Orte (53) near the border between the provinces of Viterbo and Terni (Lazio and Umbria) and from there (52), you can either continue along this road to Amelia or along the ancient Amerina road that lies between two properties, (51) until the big vineyard called Pizzogallo (50), after which you meet, near St. Giuseppe, the dirt road of St. Silvestro which ends in Montenero (49) on the SP that leads to Amelia from Giove (48).

Alternatively you can follow the valley road along the Rio Grande, of higher historical and environmental interest. From the junction to the port of Seripola (55), you can reach the site of the archaeological excavations on the Tiber (61) passing through the property of La Chiocciola. Continue along this road near a place called Castiglioni along the Tiber River and the stream Rio Grande until returning to the SP to Penna, near the bridge over the Rio Grande (60). 300 m. after the bridge take a dirt road to the right that goes to the Rio Grande, the Pilgrim resting point (59) and the sulphurous area (58). Follow on the right bank of the stream until it reaches a ford (indicated by a road sign) and after 100 meters you will encounter the obvious ancient route of the Via Amerina and the remains of

47

an ancient Roman mausoleum (57 ). Further on, under large oak trees go to the right towards the Country House Rio Grande —Ayala (56) and then up to the meeting point with the ridge route (51). Next to the gate to the large property of Totano and two newly built houses surrounded by a wall of large boulders on the right, take the old route at the border between the properties marked by tall trees, until reaching the vineyard of Pizzogallo (50) and continue along Strada di St. Silvestro towards Montenero (49) and Amelia (48).

L'articolo Amelia – Orte sembra essere il primo su Il Cammino di San Francesco.

(km 20,5 if passing by Vasanello)

Road surface: mixed, mostly dirt roads
Walikng time: 4/5 hrs
Level of difficulty: easy

From the Cathedral Square (65) proceed along the belvedere overlooking the Tiber and the motorway A1 to the site of a crumbled castle. If the Tiber is low, you can see the remains of a bridge of the Via Amerina called Bridge of Pontaccio or of Augustus. Go down the road next to the arches of the medieval aqueduct that carried water to the public fountain in the square, cross the provincial road Orte Viterbo and take the stairs next to a fountain till you reach the provincial road that goes to Vasanello, thus avoiding some of the traffic.

You can go to Vasanello (73) taking the local road, and then after the Post Office, turn on to the road that leads to Castel Bagnolo (everybody will show you the way) in about 4 km. Otherwise you can go directly to Castel Bagnolo bypassing Vasanello, taking the small road that deviates on the left at the sign Azienda Agricola Castel Bagnolo (or bagnolese): this deviation is precisely at a curve just after the overpass of the highway to Viterbo that you will clearly see. Follow these signs for 4 km (towards south-south/east) until you reach Castel Bagnolo, where you can stop in the chapel dedicated to the Madonna of Loreto (67) (ask for the keys at the nearby house).

From Castel Bagnolo continue to Gallese by the dirt road until you see the monument of San Famiano (68), made by the Romanian sculptor Camillian Demetrescu and blessed by John Paul II. After the statue of this great XII century pilgrim buried in Gallese (patron of the Via Amerina), continue by the road on the right. Once on the provincial road at the village of Valli (69), turn again right towards Gallese, for approx. 1 km. In Gallese you can visit the tomb of Saint Famiano (70) contacting the parish priest Don Remo or some member of the Brotherhood. Then go to the parish hostel next to the church of St. Maria Assunta (71).

You can also take a third way to Vasanello, through the archaeological area of Palazzolo: at Orte, immediately after the stairs next to the fountain that lead to the road to Vasanello, at an ancient milestone (66) turn right uphill to the small settlement of Le Grazie, cross it and continue along the gravel road for about 2 km until you reach the bridge over the highway to Viterbo. Turn right to return to the provincial road and go uphill towards Viterbo. Pass the junction of the highway and after a few hundred meters turn left, again passing the highway, towards the archaeological area of the ancient faliscan settlement of Palazzolo (72). The directions and the red arrows will guide you to Vasanello (73), where next to the post office you will find the small road to Castel Bagnolo (the distance between Orte and Vasanello is approx 9 km, while Orte Castel Bagnolo is approx. km. 4).

At Vasanello there are some nice churches, St. Maria Assunta (X Century), San Salvatore (XI Century), the Orsini Castle (XII Century) and the chapel of San Lanno with frescos by Piermatteo d’Amelia.

From Gallese or Vasanello to Orte

From the Church of St. Famiano (70) go towards Gallese Scalo on the SP for about 1 km till reaching a

place called Valle (69), then turn left uphill on a small private consortium road. At the crossroads at the monument to St. Famiano by Camillian Demetrescu (68), turn left, cross the barriers of the consortium and the old disused railway to reach Castel Bagnolo (67). Here you can make a brief stop at Giancarlo Vitali’s farm and visit the Church dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto. At Castel Bagnolo you can choose between two itineraries:

a) direct to Orte. Continue for about 2.5 km until you reach a crossroads (third right) named Piagge Alte. The road descends gradually, continue and take the provincial road Vasanello-Orte, near the highway overpass; go right towards Orte till you reach the junctions with Le Grazie (66) and Orte (65).

b) to Orte via Vasanello. Take the so-called “Roman” bridge in Castel Bagnolo (ask the locals if you need help to find it) and from here continue along a gravel lane for about 4 km up to Vasanello (73). From Vasanello you can reach Orte by the provincial road (8 km) or you can take the road that runs through the archaeological area of Palazzolo (72) and then merges with the provincial road from Viterbo to Orte just next to the junction of the Orte-Viterbo-Civitavecchia highway. Just after the junction on the right take the the secondary road through the neighborhood Le Grazie, reach the junction with the road from Vasanello (66) and go towards Orte.

At about a hundred meters after this junction take a shortcut to the right downhill that avoids the traffic. Going down, cross the main road and then go up to the old town of Orte through a parking lot next to the Agricultural Consortium. The road climbs along the medieval aqueduct arches which brought water to the town and continues along the belvedere (overlooking the Tiber and Motorway Autostrada del Sole). If the river is low in water you can see the remains of the Roman bridge of the ancient Via Amerina. Your destination is Piazza Santa Maria, in the centre of Orte (65). If you choose the first alternative the total distance is 14 km; if you choose the second it is 20 km.

L'articolo Orte – Gallese sembra essere il primo su Il Cammino di San Francesco.

Road surface: mixed, mostly dirt roads
Walking time: 9 hrs
Level of difficulty: medium, in some parts difficult because of the gorges

From the Church of San Famiano (70) take the road with the indication of San Famiano a Lungo (75) (the small shrine located about 2 km outside Gallese) where you can still drink water from a miraculous spring and continue to Corchiano through beautiful hazelnut groves; when you arrive at the Madonna delle Grazie (76), continue until you reach the Roman stone paved Via Amerina, which comes from Vasanello in the area Musale a) (77); take the Stone road and continue to Corchiano. Here you have two possibilities.

1- Go through the outskirts of town to reach the Church of the Madonna del Soccorso (79) and the southern Etruscan/faliscan necropolis walking along the authentic Roman stone Via Amerina, until you reach the carved road (81) that comes from the village (80) continue to the SP29 and the restaurant “Ragno Rosso” (82). At the electricity cabin, turn left and continue on that road, following the signs (red arrow and indication Via Amerina ) up to a field sloping down to a creek that has to be forded.

2- Starting from the area Musale b) (78) go into the center of Corchiano (80) and then, close to the church of S. Egidio, take a picturesque “carved” road that leads, after crossing a bridge over the stream Fratta and another Etruscan carved raod (81), to the restaurant “Ragno Rosso” (82), then continue to the creek that has to be forded, as above.

Once you have crossed the creek, take a path on the right and after a few hundred meters, after skirting a kennel (83), you will meet the provincial road that goes from Fabbrica di Rome to Corchiano (near a field for motocross); cross it and go towards Falleri (84) and then to the archaeological site of Falerii Novi (85). Here are the archaeological remains of the ancient town and the basilica of St. Maria (Cistercian). The Roman city enclosed by walls built in 241 BC, is crossed by the Via Amerina which forms the cardo, (main road in latin). Take the road to the modern housing development of Parco Falisco (86), cross it completely and follow the signs for Cavo degli Zucchi (87) (where the road is “carved” into the tufo), the most important and spectacular archaeological site of the ancient Via Amerina. In fact, it is the necropolis of Falerii (in the south of the city, located along the way). After admiring on the left the two most spectacular chamber tombs at the end of the long stone paved road, cross a wooden bridge held by metal tubes and continue along the old road until you reach the village of San Lorenzo (88). Leaving the restaurant “la Vecchia Quercia” on the left enter again into the ravine, or cut road under the ruins of the Tower of Stroppa, or of the Island with also remains of a bridge. Cross a creek and climb on the other side making sure to take the left path, indicated as a mountain bike track. Carry on, without losing spirit for about 2 km, along the path that leads along the old road, easily recognizable by the excavated caves and ancient tombs. When you come to a shooting range for archers (you can see the silhouettes of the targets), again go down and up a ravine crossing a small creek, until you emerge near a farm house in front of which passes a small road going East/West, always following the signs of the Comprensorio della Via Amerina.
At this dirt road, called “Via Pianella” (89), you can opt for two solutions.

1- Go direct to Nepi (91) that is easily reached by the ancient route following the signs, gates, fences and wooden bridges of the Comprensorio della Via Amerina (please close the gates after passing because of the grazing cattle, or use the pedestrian swing gates). The stretch of Via Amerina that enters the town of Nepi has been named Via San Paolo.

2- If instead you wish to head for the town of Castel S. Elia and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria ad Rupes (90), take via Pianella to the left. We recommend this second solution in order to see this important Marian shrine.

Visit the stairway down to the Chapel of the Madonna carved by P. Rodio, a companion of St. Benedict Labre, and the underlying VII-VIII century Romanesque basilica of St. Elia. You can also ask for accommodation with the religious congregation of St. Michael the Archangel (Polish). Holy Mass at the Marian shrine is at 6pm.

At Nepi visit the catacombs of St. Savinilla with paintings of St. James and St. John the Evangelist in the tomb of St. Roman, martyr and patron saint of the city. Visit also the Museo Civico that displays important Faliscan, Etruscan and Roman art, opening days from Tuesday to Friday hrs 11:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00; Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 -13:00, 16:00 -19:00 in the summer and 15:00 18:00 in the winter (closed on Monday); Via Falisca 31 Tel. 0761-570604 email museo@comune.nepi.vt.it Visits can be booked in advance even out of normal opening hrs for groups telephoning 339.3272179. The visitors can also see the Rocca of the Borgia.

Shortcut from Gallese to S. Maria delle Grazie
There is a road that shortcuts about 4 km and goes directly from Gallese (70-71) to St. Maria delle Grazie (76) passing by the sport grounds, but we recommend you take the longer route passing by S. Famiano and visit this place linked to the first miracle of this most Holy pilgrim. At St. Maria delle Grazie you encounter the other route coming from Gallese.

Alternative route from Vasanello to Corchiano
The ancient Via Amerina, at least in the year 241BC did not pass through Gallese, but went to Corchiano (the ancient Fescennium) and headed directly towards Orte and Amelia (through the present town of Vasanello (73), a faliscan pagus identified with the Castellum Amerinum of the Peutingerian Table). Therefore, the pilgrims today going to Rome can avoid Gallese, head directly to Vasanello from Orte (along the deviation to Palazzolo that replaces the original ancient road currently unapproacable marked in brown on the map) (74), and continue following the old road from Vasanello to Corchiano, where near the area of Musale (77) it rejoins the Cammino della Luce coming from Gallese.

L'articolo Gallese – Castel Sant’Elia sembra essere il primo su Il Cammino di San Francesco.

Road surface: mixed, mostly asphalt roads
Walikng time: 5 hrs
Level of difficulty: easy

From the Sanctuary of Santa Maria ad Rupes in Castel S. Elia (90) you reach Nepi (91) in about 3.5 km. After visiting the Catacombs of St. Savinilla (92) at Nepi take Via Selciatella that starts from the fortress and continue towards the Cassia. When you have reached the mineral waters spring of Nepi (ancient baths of the Gracchi) you will see also the beautiful Nepesino bridge (241 a. C) (93) on the Via Amerina and soon after a long stretch of ancient paving which runs to the left of the asphalt road. Once you meet the Cassia (94), turn left on an abandoned road that goes to an old post station. After passing a church, a bar, a restaurant and some shops, go around a furniture store and cross the SP37, continue on an abandoned stretch of road that runs along the Cassia (a very busy main consular road that has 4 lanes of traffic) until you will merge on to it (against the traffic, taking great care): After only a hundred meters you can turn left on the first link road of the junction “del Pavone” (95) and continue on the SP10A going towards Campagnano di Roma.

To avoid reaching Campagnano di Roma on the provincial road, after about 1 km from the junction, before the gas station, turn right towards the Fontana Latrona (96) and follow the “Via Francigena” to Campagnano di Roma (97).

There also is a beautiful trail that starts from the mineral water spings leading to Fontana Latrona in Campagnano di Roma, along the ancient route of the Via Amerina: this route avoids the roads and the junction on the Cassia, but it isn’t always easy to do.

From Campagnano di Roma to Nepi (km 16,6)/ Castel Sant’Elia (km 19,6)

From SP10A Via del Pavone (97), to avoid a long stretch of road, take via Vignacce and continue along Via di Fontana Latrona (96) and emerge again on SP10A just before the junction of Pavone (95) with the SS Cassia (the road is marked by the yellow arrow and the logo of the Pilgrim). At the junction turn right along the Cassia for just over a hundred meters, paying attention to the heavy traffic, and then turn right along what remains of an abandoned road that runs along the SS Cassia. Cross the SP37 and head towards the old post station of Settevene. You will notice on the right, near a restaurant/bar the sign of the Via Amerina;

continue along the abandoned road for another 300 meters (94), then turn right to Nepi (Via dell’Umiltà). As soon as possible walk on the ancient stone pavement of the Via Amerina, on the right before and after the intersection that leads to the ancient Baths of the Gracchi where now stands the factory of the mineral water sping of Nepi, near the old Nepesino bridge of the Via Amerina (93). Continue along the same road until you reach the town of Nepi (91) and the catacombs of S. Savinilla (92). From the mineral waters you can take the secondary road called Cavoni, but it is not always well kept. There also is a beautiful trail that starts from Fontana Latrona in Campagnano di Roma leading to the mineral water spings, along the ancient route of the Via Amerina: this route avoids the roads and the junction on the Cassia, but it isn’t always easy to do.

For those who wish to go to Castel St. Elia (90), from Nepi take the paved road starting from the monumental arches of the aqueduct at the corner of the fortress.

L'articolo Castel Sant’Elia – Campagnano di Roma sembra essere il primo su Il Cammino di San Francesco.

Road surface: mixed, mostly dirt roads
Walikng time: 5 hrs
Level of difficulty: easy

From Campagnano (97) take the SP10 to Formello up to the sports facilities (98), then climb up Via Maria Bona, follow the directions of the Via Francigena to the park of Veio and the Sanctuary of the Sorbo (99).

You can avoid passing the center of the town of Formello (100), taking Via Monte Madonna, then right in Via Grottafranca, then left on Via Spinareta, via Baccanello and Via Ficoraccia to the junction with the SP12 Fornellese near an overpass on SS2 Cassia. In order to bypass this junction take a right turn towards the new bridge over the river Cremera (101). From the bridge take the fenced path and reach Via Antonio Battilocchi following the original track of the Via Amerina as it was before the Roman Conquest in 396 BC and enter the archaeological site of Veio near the tomb of the Leoni Ruggenti (i.e. roaring lions, the most ancient painted Etruscan tomb). Today there are no building and the walls and the town can only be imagined from the layout of the terrain. Take the road to the left that goes up and then levels out for about 400/500 meters until the excavations of the ancient forum (entering on the right by the second gate) (102). Crossing the area of the ancient city (Monday is closing day), you can visit the site of the Etruscan Sanctuary of “Portonaccio”, then exit at the old mill next to a striking waterfall and Etruscan bridge. Continue along the road that passes by the cemetery of Isola Farnese until you reach the top, where you will find a fontanella (103), at the crossing turn immediately right toward La Storta, only 3 km away. The hostle of the Poverelle in via Baccarica 5, is located near the Cathedral of the Sacri Cuori di Gesù e Maria (Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary) (104), rebuilt after the destruction of the WWII. At the foot of the Cathedral is a chapel in memory of the famous vision of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit Order, during his pilgrimage to Rome. Holy Mass in the chapel every morning at 8.

From La Storta to Campagnano di Roma (km 20,7)

From the Cathedral / Chapel of the Visione di S. Ignazio (104) take to Isola Farnese. Just below the village

(103), turn left towards the cemetery and the archaeological excavation of Veio, cross the small Bridge of the Mola and the area located within the old walls of Veio. When you reach the top of the area of the Forum (102), at the first intersection, turn left towards west, cross the SP12A that goes to Formello and continue on via Antonio Battilocchi going downhill along the fenced path to the new bridge over the Cremera stream (101). Continue after the underpass of the Cassia to the left on Via della Ficoraccia, a small stretch of Via Baccanello, then via the Spinareta. You reach Via Grottafranca, where eventually you can make a deviation to Formello (100). If instead you head towards Via di Monte Madonna almost immediately you will see a sign to the left indicating “Il Sorbo”. This is the Madonna del Sorbo (99), a Shrine located halfway between Formello and Campagnano, in the Park of Veio. From the shrine, turn left and continue until you reach a fork to the right of Via delle Piane that climbs up Monte Razzano and then go down Via di Maria Bona close to the municipal swimming pool and join the SP10A next to the sports grounds (98). From here you will soon reach the main square of Campagnano Romano in front of the Gate that leads to the old town. Those staying at the parish center (97), should continue on the left for about 500 meters. A part of this route is marked by the yellow arrow and small pilgrim logo of the same color that indicates the way to Santiago from Formello/Ficoraccia.

L'articolo Campagnano di Roma – La Storta sembra essere il primo su Il Cammino di San Francesco.

Road surface: asphalt and pavement
Walikng time: 5 hrs
Level of difficulty: easy

From La Storta (104) to Rome you should follow the Via Cassia because, though slightly longer than the Via Trionfale, it has pavements, while the other has none. Via Trionfale, starting from the Via Cassia (105) is better only at night time or during the holidays because there is less traffic. At Piazza Giuochi Delfici (106) take Via Camilluccia up to Monte Mario and rejoins the Via Trionfale at Piazza Igea, next to the Hospital of Don Orione (107). Do not forget to climb to the Observatory of Monte Mario (108) taking the road that goes under the arch to the left near a traffic lights just after Villa Stuart (from the Observatory you have a breathtaking view of Rome).

Returns to Via Trionfale and follow the road to the end of the descent of Monte Mario. On the left you can see the church of St. Lazarus (109), where once the sick pilgrims were treated before entering the city. Continue till merging with Via Leone IV, while to the right you can already see the Vatican walls. Cross Piazza Risorgimento (110) and take Via di Porta Angelica and in two minutes you will reach Bernini’s colonnade (112) and St. Peter.

But before entering the colonnade we suggest you stop at the Church of S. Pellegrino (111), situated within the walls of the Vatican, just inside Porta S. Anna where Vatican Gendarmerie and Swiss Guards normally serve. Ask the guards for the admittance to the Church located in via del Pellegrino (open every morning from 7am to 1pm, Mass at 7am). It’s a place full of history, that invites meditation and prayer, and evokes strong emotions in the pilgrim. It is the place where multitudes of medieval pilgrims have paused to give thanks for having reached the final and Holy destination of their journey after many dangers, hardships, fatigue, toils and tribulations of all kinds. A metaphor of the reward that awaits a well spent live in the Christian faith: a vision of after life, here well represented by an ancient fresco of Christ Pantocrator.

Before you leave do not forget to put a stamp on your credential!

Alternative route of the Insugherata Park

From number 1181 of Via Cassia (107a) you can enter the Park of the Insugherata thus avoiding Via Cassia and walking for 6 km in natural environment. This alternative route joins the main route near Don Orione (107), at Piazza Igea.

From Rome to La Storta (km 19)

Starting from Piazza San Pietro (112), go towards Piazza Risorgimento (110) then take Via Leone IV and Via Trionfale up to Monte Mario. You can either go along via Trionfale until this road merges with the Via Cassia at the Giustiniana (105) (but we do not recommend it because it is very busy and there are no sidewalks), or otherwise we suggest once on top of Monte Mario you take Via della Camilluccia (107), go straight until you come to Piazza Giuochi Delfici (106) and then go left and follow the old Via Cassia to La Storta. Alternatively you can enter the Parco dell’Insugherata at Via Cassia n. 1181 (near the intersection with the Great Ring Road GRA) (107a) and then continue on Cassia to La Storta (104). erario del parco dell’Insugherata fino a via Cassia n. 1181 (pressi svincolo GRA) (107a) e poi proseguire sulla Cassia fino a La Storta (104).

L'articolo La Storta – Roma San Pietro sembra essere il primo su Il Cammino di San Francesco.